Chelsea headed into the international break in the worst possible manner last weekend, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat away to relegation zone strugglers Sunderland on Sunday afternoon. The dire performance from Xabi Alonso’s side highlighted once again how hot and cold their form has been, and they’ll be eager to string some wins together once the international break ends next week.

As things stand, the Blues lie fifth in the Premier League after ten matches. However, with the table so densely packed, they’re in grave danger of sliding down into mid-table if they don’t manage to pick up their form. With the 2026/27 season now over a quarter of the way through, plenty of tough tests await them ahead of the new year.

Once a host of Chelsea players return from their globetrotting during the international break, a home clash against Leeds United - a side who they’ve not lost to a Stamford Bridge since 1999 - awaits. In the meantime, here is the latest Chelsea injury news and potential return dates of their star players.

Chelsea injury list: Reece James still out

Reece James limped his way through the World Cup with England last summer and looks to be paying the price for it this season, as he currently sits on the sidelines with his third injury of the campaign. He had knee surgery last month, and is not expected to return until the new year - potentially when Chelsea host Crystal Palace on 6th January.

Like James, star defender Maxence Lacroix is also set for a lengthy spell out of action, after suffering a serious hamstring injury in the Blues’ Carabao Cup loss to Liverpool back in late October. It’s expected that he won’t be available until the new year, and will be targetting a comeback against Newcastle United on 3rd January.

Elsewhere in the squad, Emiliano Martinez pushed hard to be part of the Chelsea squad to face Sunderland last weekend, but ultimately wasn’t risked for the game. He was wearing a protective mask in training after breaking his jaw in last month’s 2-0 win at Everton, and should be available for selection for the trip to Leeds on 21st November.

When will Joao Pedro be back from injury?

Joao Pedro has been greatly missed by Chelsea during their turbulent run of form, with the side looking far less threatening going froward without the Brazil international causing chaos in attack. The Blues’ spearhead could be in contention to play Leeds, but he may well be kept back until the following week’s trip to Nottingham Forest on 27th November.

Meanwhile, versatile defender Jorrel Hato won’t return to training until after the international break, as he continues his recovery from an unspecified injury. A 2nd December clash against Crystal Palace could be a realistic return date for the Netherlands international, who joined from Ajax for a fee of around £36m in August 2025.

England youth international Josh Acheampong missed the trip to Sunderland with a minor knock, but is expected to come straight back into the side when Leeds comes to Stamford Bridge after the international. His fellow countryman Jamie Gittens will likely be looking at a similar timeline for his return from an ankle injury.